UNITED FRONT

Town and Norwich have warned of the possibility of stadium bans for those who post obscene abuse on social media as the derby approaches.

Blues will travel to Carrow Road on Sunday, February 18 and both clubs are united in taking a stance against totally unacceptable comment and actions on all social media platforms.

Town banned two individuals from attending the derby at Portman Road in October after comments and images about former Norwich striker Justin Fashanu, while the memory of Sir Bobby Robson was also targeted.

“Online social media has many advantages but regrettably there is the darker side and a minority use social media to post content that is threatening, obscene and hateful,” said Town MD, Ian Milne.

“This can provoke or encourage violence and abuse, and is often intended to cause offence to others, although content like this is condemned by the vast majority of users.

“Ipswich Town Football Club and Norwich City Football Club have come together to take action against those who post offensive remarks or pictures and those fans face a stadium ban.

“We have dealt with offenders in the past and will continue to do so. They have no place in football and we will have no hesitation in making the police aware of comments if we consider it appropriate.”

Suffolk Constabulary have given their backing to Town’s actions.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: “The club has taken a really strong moral stance on this issue which has to be applauded.

“Suffolk Police monitor social media in the build up to significant games. Whilst we investigate any crimes identified, my main concern is to ensure that where postings are aimed at provoking violence we notify the club straight away so that they can consider banning the offender.”